In December 2006, I met Marshall Rosenberg in the Netherlands, where I live. Impressed by his “replacing diagnoses by NVC,” I found a powerful and magic toolkit in how to connect and, in the same flow, heal myself from depression — a toolkit that made it possible to give life back to myself, conversation by conversation, with myself or others.

Freedom

In 2010, I started training in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and I learned fast by training others. NVC empowered my ability to (re)connect to life in any sort of communication. It also provided the relief of being able to articulate what I had known all my life, deep down, but had not been able to express. I found freedom and choice.

Training Teams

In 2012, I became a Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) Certified Trainer, and I train and coach individuals, couples, kids from ages six to eighteen, teams, and their leaders. I am invited to share NVC to for-profit and nonprofit organizations, at municipalities, in schools, at NVC summer camps around the world with my partner, and in many different companies.

International

Individually and with my husband and co-trainer, Jan Carel van Dorp, I have trained in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Boston, New York (the NY Intensive), the Czech Republic, Spain, and China. This year, 2023, I am offering my NVC year training, “Living Fully,” for the fourteenth time. The owner and lead trainer of Unfolding Images, I love to collaborate with fellow Certified Trainers.

NVC Cabaret

Since early November 2008, I have been a member of the Dutch Speaking NVC Circle, which now has eighty-plus members; for some years I served on the board, and I co-developed and co-designed the website. In 2010, I helped Jan Carel re-translate Marshall Rosenberg’s seminal book, Nonviolent Communication, a Language of Life, into Dutch. I offered “NVC Cabaret” at the annual Dutch NVC Festival and have provided NVC insights and tips for radio and newspaper interviews.

Training Style

In my trainings, I integrate singing, clapping, using the space, creative writing, improv theatre, nonverbal exercises, bodywork, and a systemic NVC approach. I love to encourage group-wisdom, the power of vulnerability, and the jewels in the jackals. Participants say they like my calmness, clarity, care, and humor.